Posted by DIck Stephenson on February 7, 2001:

EULOGY of Richard Anthony "Pops" Fadel, Colonel, USA, (Ret.) (delivered at his funeral on January 29th, 2001 at Nativity Church, Burke, VIrginia) My name is Dick Stephenson. I am a WP classmate of Dick's, class of 1957. I speak as a classmate, team mate, a double-date-mate with my wife, Dianne and Chickie since 1954, a fellow cadet, officer, and most importantly, as a friend for life-and beyond. We are here a month and days from his 67th year on earth-closing out his tough fight with a fatal disease. We first met at a football screening in August of 1953, at WP. He had a maturity and a presence about him that was unusual. He also had a red-headed girlfriend of some years. This relationship was so natural that Dick became "Pops" - or the "Dad" whose quest for a bride was over before most of us 17-18 year-olds had even thought about such a relationship. Momma Fadel, Dick's Mom, gave me "Spa-Ta-Dink" for the first time in 1955. As early as those very early days, this young man demonstrated a focus, which was remarkable. His quiet, composed demeanor masked a tenacious drive that, when focused as only he could, led to his success and helped in his rise above any failures. He could move any football, or any other, adversary out of the way. Our careers tracked and "Pops" was the officer and gentleman that WP produced back then - but he was also a very gentle man - Our classmate, Dick Murtland, a first team halfback who benefited mightily from Pops' work on the line of scrimmage offered the observation that there was, - --not a mean bone in his body and that he kept the "mean muscle" on the football field. Records are made and fade over time. Pops and his part of the Fadel clan was the center of at least three records-records that will not fade from our memories: First Record - As a four-year football letterman on the ARMY football team. He established a completely new standard for "playing hurt"; the base toughness of this wonderful athlete was a miracle to those of us fortunate enough to avoid knee, ankle, hip, and shoulder breaks, strains, extensions or bruises. Pops had most such injuries-some simultaneously-. and more, wearing splints, crutches, bandages-so frequently that he was called the "Spirit of '76". Our head trainer, Rollie Bevens, once told Colonel Blaik that Fadel "should not even suit up for the game" and further, that Pops would probably tell the Colonel that "I'm READY to go, Colonel". It happened as Rollie warned that it would- and the Colonel said "OK!" Sure enough, as we lined up for the kickoff, there was number 61, saying "let's go get them!" Dick Fadel endured, and overcame, more, more serious, injuries and had more actual game playing time than a good many with no injuries at all. His determination to ignore, and overcome, adversity was unbelievable. This physical character demonstration was matched by his extraordinary character in spirit, emotion, intellect, and a total love of and respect for family that typified this 66-year voyage. Second Record - We served as fellow Battalion Commanders in Germany in the early 70's, on the heels of the end of a historic, and lost, war in Vietnam. The US ARMY was a very troubled institution at the time. - Draft stopped. "Volar" era began. - Women fully integrated into the force. - Racial divisiveness rampant. - Drugs, sex, rock & roll of the 60'sthe cultural realities. - Authority challenged at all levels. Pops Fadel's outfit rose to all such challenges, and demonstrated a maturity, respect, loyalty, professionalism and trust in the midst of all this. This was due to his steady hand, his singular focus on what was "right", and an inspired leadership that captured a group of 800 soldiers' hearts and minds. I saw all of this, first hand, and I was not surprised. A gifted, caring, leader thrived where other less-blessed battalion commanders were being relieved right and left. Third Record - I believe that Dick and Chickie went together longer than anyone in our WP class of 1957. They were sweethearts several years earlier. By today's standards such commitment, devotion, trust, and love is rare indeed. What does this all mean? It means that we are saying farewell to as fine a man, as I have ever known. This chapel is full of similar feelings. By measuring life's accomplishments by the generations coming on, the Fadels have a 100% grade. Rick, Bob, Russ, Ed, and Pam have had as fine a father as is possible. "Pops" is with us through them. As we all struggle to adjust to our loss and diminished life, without him, we can be very grateful in realizing what a superb example of life he lived and its example to each of us. Those memories will help all of us. Close As I held his hand a couple of days ago I leaned over to his ear and said: - You must be very proud of Chickie and the Fadel clan - He said, "Yes, yes, I am." - You must be very proud of your children - He said, "Yes, yes, I am." - You must be very pleased with the love in your Fadel family - He said, " Yes, yes, I am." Smiling. - You know that all is well with your loving family? He smiled again and said, "I know, I know, it's time to go. I'm ready to go!" (The same words of 46 years earlier, when Rollie Bevens advised him not to play, as injured as he was at the time) That was it for me - Pops was clearly at peace with his life, and maybe even more at peace with having fought the fight to the end with that direct, simple, straightforward focus, dedication, and commitment, of all the fights that came before. He gave all he could, as always. Pops made each of our lives better by being with us. An exemplary husband, father, friend, soldier, patriot, man of faith, and American. He lived the duty, honor, country creed instilled at West Point. This man's man of character, integrity, dedication, and devotion to personal, professional, and spiritual values remains an enduring model for each of us. I will miss "Pops", the very human "Pops", while I depend upon the spiritual "Pops" for the rest of my days. God's Speed, Pops, and well done!! January 29, 2001, 11:00-13:00

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